Jan 25 – Hike Olivenhain Reservoir

Hike To Olivenhain Reservoir via Los Cielos Trails, (SW Escondido)

9:30 AM, Saturday, January 25, 2025

Meet at GPS: 33.0774, -117.1597

Parking Near 8068 Harmony Grove Rd and Via Ambiente Rd.

-Not at the Elfin Forest Park-

Join us for a hike along the Los Cielos wooded trails then up to Olivenhain Reservoir top – not via the Elfin Forest-The Way-Up-Trail. We will go through the woods along the creek then up the trail to the picnic area and maybe the high point lookout then return mostly the same way. Round trip is about 4.5-5.5 miles with a 800 ft elevation change, time about 3 hours. Leashed dogs are ok. Port-o-potties and water are available at the top. Parking is along Harmony Grove road.

Directions:

Vista/Crlsbd/SnMrcs: From Palomar Airport Rd, take Melrose southbound, or Rancho Santa Fe Rd southbound, and follow each to San Elijo Rd. Then left (east) at San Elijo Rd., go into “San Elijo hills town”. (Hwy 78 to South Twin Oaks Valley Rd becomes westbound San Elijo Rd and arrives there too). Go south onto Elfin Forest Rd, miles down at a sharp left bend it becomes Harmony Grove Rd. Follow ~0.4 mi. Look for the Via Ambiente road and parking on right (south side).

From Escondido: Hwy 15 to Hwy78 exit at Nordahl Rd southbound. Go across W. Mission Rd. and 0.2 mile turn Right (west) onto Country Club Dr. Follow south to Harmony Grove Rd., turn right (west) ~2.2 mi to Via Ambiente Rd on the left (south side) and find a place to park. You will drive past the Elfin Forrest park entrance.

Southwest areas: Find your way over to Rancho Santa Fe Rd northwards up to east onto San Elijo Rd and thereafter to follow as first described above.

What to bring: Water (water available at picnic area) , a pocket snack, suitable hiking footwear – shoes are ok but trail is dusty & rocky in parts, appropriate hiking clothing for the weather, sun hat, sun screen.

Info:  Vinnie, Text/Call  858-231-7722